[python] Re: Front wheel traction


-----Original Message-----
>From: J&#65533;rgen Mages <jmages@xxxxxx>
>Sent: Jun 28, 2006 2:32 AM
>To: python@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: [python] Re: Front wheel traction
>
>Hello grwilliams,
>
>sorry to say that I neither understand the problem nor the
>solution ;-)
>
>> I have read that some people out there complain that a problem
>> with the python is the lack of traction on the drive wheel.
>
>Where to read this?

Just in my general reading about recumbent bikes.

>
>In general FWD recumbents are more prone to traction issues
>than RWD ones. I also know this well from my time with the
>airbike and from my flevobike tryings. Also ZOX26 riders report
>traction problems.
>
>But the lower the center of gravity gets, the better. Also helping
>is a long wheelbase. My python P3 has 63% of the system weight
>on the driven front wheel. Climbing is excellent with it. On short
>and steep hills I am usually faster than roadies or mountainbikers,
>due to the bigger pushing force I can apply.
>

I have limited storage space so making a longer frame was not an option for me.

>E.g. 30 km from my home is a steep road with loose gravel on it,
>approx. 15 % slope. I never had a chance with my airbike to climb it.
>With the P3 I can do that almost flawlessly (rarely using my fingertips
>on the ground to balance the bike).
>

the airbike has a level plain between the excels and the riders center of 
gravity is towards the rear wheel.  So yes this bike will have a traction 
problem.

>So no real traction problems with FWD lowracers.
>

Many of the lower racers I have seen are long with the riders center of gravity 
centered  between the wheels. So the trackshion will be better.

>On the python delta, the wheelbase can be very short. This surely leads to
>loss of traction on steep hills. Maybe there your solution can be applied.
>But I could not understand it. Do you mean to use a small front wheel,
>or incline the seat position?

The point is to get more of the riders CG towards the drive wheel.  Inclining 
the seat will move the center forward.  but also using a smaller front wheel 
allows the wheel to be closer to the rider and inclines the entire bike and 
shortens the wheel base.  I think if too much is moved forward the rider will 
feel like they are about to be dumped out.  like driving a cab forward mini van.

>
>Cheers,
>J&#65533;rgen.
>
>PS: I did a lot of riding on gravel or sandy roads recently. The FWD is
>great here, because the driven and steered front wheel always pulls the
>rest of the bike out of the mess. When the bike starts to slip, pushing
>the pedals always helps restabilizing it. 

I look forward to seen what moving the CG does to stability.



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